10 Similar Anime Characters to Denji from Chainsaw Man

If someone is a fan of Denji from Chainsaw Man and enjoys anime characters with tragic pasts and wounded dreams, they can find similar characters mentioned below in this article. Though no character can surpass his combination of human and monstrous abilities, these anime characters share commonalities in their experiences, evolutions, and challenges.

Despite a lack of formal education and social interaction, Denji possesses both boldness and innocence, likely stemming from his impoverished upbringing. This can often lead people to perceive him as rude and rough, akin to a child speaking bluntly.

As a young boy, he found himself burdened with his late father’s debt to the Yakuza. He encounters a chainsaw devil, Pochita, and together they begin hunting devils for the Yakuza in order to settle his debt. But when the Yakuza betrays him, Denji meets his demise. Yet, through a miraculous turn of events, his loyal partner, Pochita, saves his life by merging with his heart. In the following section, we delve into 10 anime characters who share similar characteristics and storylines.

This article is the writer’s personal opinion and is not listed in any specific ranking.

Anime Characters Similar to Denji from Chainsaw Man

Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Eren Yeager (Image via Wit Studio, MAPPA)

Denji, like Eren Yeager, the protagonist of the popular anime and manga series Attack on Titan, possesses qualities that make him similar to Eren. Both are characterized as stubborn, passionate, determined, and impulsive. In contrast to the protagonists of the “big three”Shonen series, Eren and Denji are true antiheroes who defy the conventions of a typical Shonen protagonist.

Eren’s unwavering loyalty to his loved ones often leads him to put himself in danger, sometimes even risking his own life to keep them safe. Additionally, he is quick to defend even those he doesn’t know, often resorting to violence. However, his impulsive nature and lack of self-restraint frequently land him in trouble.

Denji, like Eren, is also reborn solely for the purpose of war, and he readily embraces this significant transformation from the very beginning of the series. With similarities to Eren’s Titan form, Denji possesses a great potential in his form as Chainsaw Man, and it is this similar strength that makes Eren comparable to Denji among anime characters.

2) Guts in the Anime, Berserk

Despite his tough and skeptical demeanor, Guts is renowned in Berserk for his serious attitude. While he may often have a negative outlook on life, his internal side reveals a more relaxed and caring nature towards those he trusts, despite his guarded and discouraged exterior.

Both Guts and Denji have endured incredibly difficult and tragic pasts. Guts was born from the lifeless body of his mother, who had been hanged, and was brought up in a mercenary group where he suffered constant mistreatment and brutality. Throughout the plot, both characters navigate challenging and emotionally taxing relationships.

Similarly, Denji can be compared to Guts due to the complex nature of his relationships with both Power and Makima. Like Guts’ dynamic with Casca and Griffith, Denji’s bond with these two characters is a mix of genuine affection, manipulation, and emotional turmoil. This is one of the reasons why Denji is often compared to Guts among anime characters.

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto Uzumaki, a main character in the “big three”Shonen series, is renowned for his unconventional, energetic, and boisterous personality. He is highly skilled in competition and unafraid to seek assistance. Despite this, he can be oblivious and takes time to fully understand things. His past as an outcast and orphan has molded him to disregard societal norms and hierarchies.

Both Naruto and Denji, along with other anime characters, face a constant struggle with their inner demons. Naruto constantly fights against the influence of Nine Tails, which feeds on his insecurities, as he strives to prove his worth. Similarly, Denji grapples with his Chainsaw Man persona and its monstrous traits, as well as his own human desires and weaknesses.

Both Naruto and Denji are motivated by different goals. Naruto is determined to become the Hokage and gain the recognition and respect of Leaf Village, while Denji seeks a life of contentment and tranquility. Their unwavering determination and perseverance allow them to triumph over numerous obstacles in their respective journeys, showcasing the unyielding spirit of anime characters like them.

Yuji Itadori: The Main Protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen

The lead character of the highly popular animated series, Jujutsu Kaisen, is Yuji Itadori. He holds a strong belief in the sanctity of life and is committed to granting his adversaries a dignified end. In his eyes, taking a life is ethically unjustifiable.

Typically a serene, amiable individual, he easily grows furious when faced with a truly malevolent adversary. A central characteristic of his is his readiness to put himself in harm’s way for the sake of others, influenced by his grandfather’s dying wish to pass away surrounded by loved ones. Anime protagonists such as Denji and Yuji begin as ordinary people leading mundane lives until unforeseen circumstances alter their destinies.

Despite his exceptional physical abilities, high school student Yuji remained oblivious to the existence of curses and the supernatural world. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he unintentionally consumes a cursed object, resulting in the powerful curse, Sukuna, residing within him. This transformation mirrors Denji’s own transformation into Chainsaw Man, propelling Yuji into a similar journey as one of the anime characters like Denji.

Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)

Natsu Dragneel, the firedragon wizard from Fairy Tail, is known for his direct approach to problem-solving and tendency to resort to violence. Despite his carefree and reckless nature, he remains a fiercely loyal and protective friend, often getting into fights with other members of Fairy Tail. However, Natsu rarely holds grudges and never retaliates with negativity, even when disrespected.

Natsu and Denji have distinctive and formidable transformations that determine their combat prowess. As a Dragon Slayer, Natsu is able to manipulate and ingest fire, granting him the ability to metamorphose specific body parts into dragon-like characteristics while in combat.

Just like Denji, Natsu also possesses the ability to transform his body parts, aligning him with anime characters such as Chainsaw Man. By merging with Pochita, Denji gains chainsaws that emerge from his body, giving him incredible combat abilities.

Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)

Despite being the main character of Tokyo Ghoul, Ken Kaneki is introverted and tends to keep to himself, often immersing himself in books. He was known for his kind and upbeat nature, and would often shoulder the blame and criticism from others in order to avoid harboring hatred towards them.

Both Kaneki and Denji experience a profound conflict with their true selves. Kaneki grapples with his dual nature as a human and a ghoul, constantly torn between his innate ghoul instincts and his moral human values. Similarly, Denji struggles with the savage tendencies of his Chainsaw Man form and strives to maintain his humanity. In this way, Kaneki’s journey mirrors that of Denji and puts him in the league of anime characters such as Denji.

Killua Zoldyck: A Character Analysis (Hunter x Hunter)

Killua Zoldyck (Image via Nippon Animation)

As Gon Freecss’ closest companion, Killua Zoldyck is considered the deuteragonist in the popular anime and manga series Hunter x Hunter. He possesses a cheerful and mischievous nature, often coming up with playful and daring schemes. While he is self-assured in his abilities, he tends to become bashful when praised. Despite his lighthearted demeanor, he also shares traits with other animated characters such as Denji, demonstrating a deadly and aggressive side.

Killua was born into the Zoldyck family, known for their profession as assassins. As a result, he was subjected to intense training from a young age and grew up in a world of violence and strict standards, much like the main characters in popular anime such as Denji.

Shinji Ikari (Evangelion)

Shinji Ikari, the central character in the Neon Genesis Evangelion franchise, has a fear of emotional suffering and rejection. This stems from his childhood experience of being forsaken, and he holds himself responsible for not being able to keep his father from leaving.

Throughout their journeys, both Shinji Ikari and Denji, an anime character, experience profound internal conflicts and personal development. Shinji bravely confronts his fears and insecurities, ultimately learning to embrace his true self and forge his own path. Similarly, Denji grapples with his inner demons and strives to find a greater purpose beyond his violent life as the Chainsaw Man.

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo Kurosaki is the main character in the popular anime and manga series, Bleach. He is known for his short temper, stubbornness, and strong determination. He tends to act impulsively and is always ready to defend himself when provoked. In battle, he holds onto his strong sense of justice and seeks retribution against those who have wronged him.

Ichigo, a high school student, possesses the ability to see ghosts. However, his fate takes a turn when he encounters Rukia Kuchiki, leading him to become a Soul Reaper. This journey is reminiscent of popular anime characters like Denji. Despite facing numerous challenges, Ichigo relies on his own wit and determination to overcome them. His companion, Rukia, bears a striking resemblance to Denji’s partner, Power.

Hyakkimaru from Dororo

Hyakkimaru (Image via Tezuka Productions, MAPPA)

Hyakkimaru, the main character of the well-known anime and manga Dororo, was created by Osamu Tezuka, also known as the godfather of Japanese manga. Due to his limited exposure to the outside world, Hyakkimaru was innocent, inquisitive, and attuned to his surroundings. Upon experiencing warmth and comfort for the first time, he immediately took a liking to it.

Both Hyakkimaru and Denji share a strong desire to reclaim what was taken from them. Hyakkimaru is determined to retrieve his senses and missing body parts in order to fully live and reclaim his humanity, making him similar to Denji among anime characters.

In conclusion

Denji, the protagonist of Chainsaw Man, solidifies himself as a compelling character with a tragic past and a one-of-a-kind transformation journey. His tale of comradery, struggle, and formidable abilities continues to resonate with countless fans.

Despite his unique character, Denji from Chainsaw Man shares similar characteristics and journeys with other anime characters. For instance, Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen, Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul, Guts from Berserk, Natsu Dragneel from Fairy Tail, and others also face similar challenges in their respective stories, mirroring Denji’s struggles.